Many large theatre auditions call for a 16-bar excerpt, and sometimes specifically request pop/rock songs. This book unprecedentedly answers that need. Beyond theatre, this volume will be useful for other audition calls requiring a brief song. Each volume includes great songs from the 1950s to the 21st century. Each excerpt has been given a thoughtful and effective form.

Songlist: Hero, Without You, Home, No Matter What, I Need You, Solitaire, But It's Alright, Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), Amanda, I'll Be There, Golden Slumbers, I'll Stand By You, Let Her Cry, This Ain't A Love Song, If, I Will Remember You, Don't Stop, All By Myself, All I Need, All My Loving, Best Of My Love, Everytime I Close My Eyes, Back To You, Lately, You'll Be In My Heart (Pop Version), Unchain My Heart, Somebody To Love, A Song For You, Kids Wanna Rock, Lady, and more

On their annual holiday concert tour, The Blenders got the idea for a different kind of recording than they had done in their 16 years together, of music so universal that it could be performed for any audience at any time of the year. It would be a tribute album, not Christmas music, and not a cappella. 10 songs based on a simple criteria: they had to be soulful, songs that speak to the heart, songs with messages of hope: "People Get Ready," compassion -"Takin' It to the Streets," support - "Lean On Me," and love - "Put A Little Love in Your Heart," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "Love Train" and "Love the One You're With." They had to do a couple of songs, "What You Won't Do for Love" and "29 Ways," just because they feel so good. Admittedly, it's not easy getting used to an accompanied Blenders album, but the voices, harmony and soul we've loved in these Sweeps champs is as strong as ever, the tunes are great, and "Songs" is another Blenders winner.

Songlist: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Takin' It To The Streets, Lean On Me, What You Won't Do For Love, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Put A Little Love In Your Heart, Love The One Your With, Love Train, People Get Get Ready, 29 Ways

Essentials : Nothing But Blue   

Dan, Thom, Janet and Joe (he spells it Jo3) are the London, Ontario-based mixed voice Contemporary a cappella group The Essentials, contains a faux "Parental Advisory" on the back of the cardboard jewel box sleeve for "Acappella Content," warning that it contains only human voices and drums, but "it still sounds so full that you'll think there's a whole band playing." Continuing, it adds: "Lyrics are suitable for all ages"-whew! We hope no parents will be scared off from enjoying this excellent collection by the warning, and conversely, that those in search of questionable lyrics will at least enjoy some great a cappella covers! Our favorites among the 12 songs include the a laid back arrangement of the Reggae anthem "I Can See Clearly Now," the Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride," The Doobie Brothers' "Takin' It to the Streets," Tim McGraw's poignant Country hit "Some Things Never Change," Stephen Stills' Buffalo Springfield and CSN&Y hit, "Love The One You're With," a soulful, funky cover of Dave Mason's hit for Joe Cocker, "Feelin' Alright," the Rockapella standard "Falling Over You," and a live recording of Ray Gillen's Badlands Gospel hit, "In A Dream." Lead duties are shared among the four, and each shows off their serious talents as the others provide rich, sumptuous background vocals. Add some marvelous arrangements and you have "Nothing But Blue," the debut winner from The Essentials! Extensive liner notes with all the lyrics.

Songlist: I Can See Clearly Now, Free Ride, You and I, Invisible, Floating Away, Takin' It To The Streets, Some Things Never Change, Reality, Love The One You're With, Falling Over You, Feelin' Alright, In A Dream